How the CVE Works:
CVE-2025-2153 is a critical vulnerability found in HDF5 version 1.14.6, specifically in the `H5SM_delete` function within the `H5SM.c` file. This function is part of the HDF5 file handling component. The vulnerability arises due to improper handling of memory operations, leading to a heap-based buffer overflow. Attackers can exploit this flaw remotely by crafting a malicious HDF5 file that triggers the overflow when processed. The complexity of the attack is high, as it requires precise manipulation of memory structures, and the exploitability is considered difficult. However, the public disclosure of the exploit increases the risk of active exploitation.
DailyCVE Form:
Platform: HDF5
Version: 1.14.6
Vulnerability: Heap-based Buffer Overflow
Severity: Critical
Date: 03/10/2025
What Undercode Say:
Exploitation Details:
- Exploit Vector: Craft a malicious HDF5 file to trigger the `H5SM_delete` function.
- Payload Delivery: Deliver the file via email, web upload, or network share.
- Execution: The victim opens the file, causing the heap overflow and potentially allowing arbitrary code execution.
Protection Measures:
- Patch Application: Update to the latest version of HDF5 if a patch is available.
- Input Validation: Implement strict validation for HDF5 file inputs.
- Memory Sanitization: Use tools like AddressSanitizer to detect memory corruption.
Commands and Tools:
1. Check Version:
h5dump --version
2. Sanitize HDF5 Files:
h5check malicious_file.h5
3. Exploit Detection:
strings malicious_file.h5 | grep "malicious_pattern"
Code Snippets:
1. Patch Example:
// H5SM.c patch to fix buffer overflow
void H5SM_delete(...) {
// Add bounds checking
if (buffer_size > MAX_ALLOWED) {
H5_ERROR("Buffer overflow detected");
return;
}
// Safe memory operation
memcpy(safe_buffer, input_buffer, buffer_size);
}
2. Exploit PoC:
import h5py
Craft malicious HDF5 file
with h5py.File('exploit.h5', 'w') as f:
f.create_dataset('malicious_data', data='A' 1000000) Overflow trigger
3. Protection Script:
import h5py
def validate_hdf5(file_path):
try:
with h5py.File(file_path, 'r') as f:
for dataset in f.keys():
if len(f[bash][bash]) > MAX_SIZE:
raise ValueError("Dataset exceeds safe size limit")
except Exception as e:
print(f"Validation failed: {e}")
Analytics:
- CVSS Score: 9.8 (Critical)
- Attack Vector: Network
- Attack Complexity: High
- Privileges Required: None
- User Interaction: Required
- Scope: Unchanged
- Confidentiality Impact: High
- Integrity Impact: High
- Availability Impact: High
References:
References:
Reported By: https://nvd.nist.gov/vuln/detail/CVE-2025-2153
Extra Source Hub:
Undercode
